Feast of Saint Lawrence, Deacon and Martyr
Have you ever played a game of ‘catch’ or ‘fetch’ with a person or dog? Consider what happens; something is thrown and returned, over and over again. What’s the point? The point is the cycle. Back and forth, over and over, it’s fun and something good is happening. This is how generosity works for the Christian. God gives to us, we give to one-another, and we give back to God. Around and around, over and over. Is it fun for you? What Paul says is important; Jesus does not simply command giving. He does not require a guilty giver or someone who gives out of their sense of responsibility or duty or ego. Even though we have a responsibility to be good stewards, the goal is higher: the Lord loves a cheerful giver. A lot of people say give until it hurts, and for good reason. Jesus and many after Him have given their lives, and this is a painful thing. But the point is not the hurting; it’s the love and cheer that motivates us to give what was first given to us.
The great lie of our society is that there is not enough, that human desires must be endless, and that we must horde because otherwise we have will be taken from us. The truth of God is so different: Give freely. God has already given you enough; indeed, you have received abundance and eternal life in the Spirit! Give cheerfully, over and over. It’s fun! Why would we not pass around everything we have? God transforms this giving into goodwill, relationship, discipleship, praise, and thanksgiving. Simply put, human needs of all kinds are met. A lot of produce comes from the seeds we scatter, thanks to the Spirit’s work.
Of course these things are easy to say and often hard to live out, especially for those of us who have more than we used to. The things we value most can change in the different seasons of our lives. Are you generous with your money and property? Are you generous with your time and talents? Are you generous with your words to others? Are you generous in your attitude toward others, especially those with whom you disagree? Are you generous with your heart? The great risk of generosity is that what we give away will be wasted or rejected. But we hear in today’s readings the ways that God honors, reimburses, multiplies, and even protects a cheerful giver over a lifetime. We can trust the abundant, generous behavior of our creator. We will always have enough of whatever we truly need.
Lord, may we meditate with thanksgiving on all that you have given us, and be strengthened to give cheerfully. Amen.
-Chris Nieport